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CTFMA is a non-profit organization based in Southern California, made up of farm managers, owner/managers and others who share our interest and love for the Thoroughbred. CTFMA offers educational activities, networking opportunities and a support system that is especially helpful to newcomers to the industry.
We would welcome your participation in our monthly activities! Our latest news is posted here on our official website. For more information, please contact us at:
CTFMA
P.O. Box 876
Fallbrook, CA 92088-0876
Email us at CTFMA@yahoo.com
2010 CTFMA Officers
President: Keith Card
Vice President: Linda Madsen
Secretary: Terri Greer
Treasurer: Marianne Hebner
Assistant Secretary: Leigh Ann Howard
News & Notes
March 2010 Meeting
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 • 6:30 p.m.
Topic: “From Stall To TOC President And Everything In Between: One Person’s View Of The Critical Issues Facing California Racing”
Guest Presenter: Steve Schwartz, Past President of Thoroughbred Owners of California
The monthly California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association (CTFMA) meetings are held in the Murrieta Sizzler conference room. Go directly to the back meeting room when you enter the restaurant. The cost is $15 per person for dinner; please pay in the meeting room.
Everyone is welcome, so please join us! The Murrieta Sizzler is located near the intersection of I-215 and I-15 on Murrieta Hot Springs Road. The address is 40489 Murrieta Hot Springs Road.
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January 2010 Meeting
Our January 2010 meeting kicked off the year with a wonderful speaker. Bob Costigan, owner and manager of Arravale Racing, presented the group with his views on successful racehorse management. Bob began his presentation with his belief that “the reality is, you can’t buy winners!” Mares are the basis of his program. He believes, after hours and years of research, the dam side of a winning pedigree is the most important aspect of a successful breeding program.
Bob shared the speaking role with his daughter, Carolyn, who successfully became licensed as a U.S. trainer in October after many years of working in all parts of the world under some prominent trainers. Together, the Costigans stressed their experiences while facing the licensing process, which can be daunting at best. The need for a friendlier process in the U.S. is evident as well as the importance of training without drugs, hard athletic training to get horses fit and ready and doing the right thing by owners and their horses.
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November 2009 Meeting
During our November 17 CTFMA meeting, Dr. Andy Walker gave us an update on the regenerative therapy that has been successfully used in horses both at the tracks and in the show ring. “PRP” (Platelet Rich Plasma) has worked out well, especially when used in conjunction with other modes of treatment such as stem cells. He also discussed IRAP and the best use of Lithotripsy. If you don’t know what any of this means, you should be attending these monthly meetings.
CTFMA Treasurer Marianne Hebner and Dr. Andy Walker
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Congratulations, Keith!
During our November meeting, CTFMA President Keith Card was presented with a delicious cake celebrating his huge hometown win with California Flag in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita Park on November 7. Many of Keith’s friends from the CTFMA were able to get into his huge winner’s circle photo! The next race for this handsome grey gelding is in Hong Kong.
CTFMA President Keith Card at the November 2009 meeting
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October 2009 Meeting
Mushroom Matrix is a company operating in San Diego County growing and developing numerous specialized “total food” mushroom mixtures to aid in various aspects of our horse care. They also make products for all mammals out of these mushrooms.
Keith Manfred, vice president of Mushroom Matrix, gave an informative presentation during our October 20 CTFMA meeting, aided by Dr. Sandra Carter. Many of their products were added to our raffle, which were in real demand as the winning numbers were drawn!
(From left) Keith Manfred, Dr. Sandra Carter and CTFMA President Keith Card
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A Special Thank You!
Alan Conway is our Irish Librarian and raffle caller.
He is often referred to as “Alan from Fallbrook” on horse racing radio shows.
Alan Conway at the CTFMA October 2009 meeting
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September 2009 Meeting
During CTFMA’s September 15 meeting, Scott Pickard and Terri Greer joined us all the way from Alberta, Canada to demonstrate the Hospital & Veterinarian Management System (HVMS) software, which is developed and sold by their company, Business Infusions.
The system is easy to use, and we learned how its application could increase efficiency and improve record-keeping on a daily basis at our farms.
Emily Shields wrote an article about this software for the October 2009 issue of “California Thoroughbred” magazine. Click here to read the article.
(From left) Terri Greer, Scott Pickard and CTFMA President Keith Card
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2009 Summer Fundraiser Party/Potluck
The CTFMA Annual Potluck at Vessels Stallion Farm on July 21 was very well attended; the food was almost all homemade, delicious and bountiful. The setting, between the stallion barn and the lake, under the huge old trees, was lovely. Next year, we vow to have enough chairs.
Each year, Kevin Dickson shows off the Vessels stallions with a flair. The stallions are always gorgeous and seem to love the attention of the crowd. Scoop and Bonnie Vessels, along with their sons, were gracious hosts, explaining the history of the restored farm houses on the old Dulin cattle ranch they now occupy.
We were so happy to see President Keith Card and his wife, Barbara, especially after all the health problems Keith has had this past year. Racing Europe’s Doug Thomson was in attendance also. He was making his very first trek to the races at Del Mar. Several of the people who attended his CTBA tour to Ireland a few years ago had a chance to catch up with current trip news.
We would like to thank everyone who attended, donated to,
or helped run the annual CTFMA fundraiser “Dine With The Stallions.”
We had an outstanding turnout of over 200 people, and we earned
just over $5,000 in revenue to be donated to Equine Charities & Scholarships!
Everyone had a great time socializing at the 2009 CTFMA Potluck!
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May 2009 Meeting
During CTFMA’s May 19 meeting, Dignitary Downs Manager/Trainer Carlos Cabello III told us all about the farm he manages in Anza. He described the large farm with its 5/8th-mile track, large pastures and breeding facilities. The farm also has a large lake and riding trails. The altitude of over 4,000 feet means the air is clean and there are four seasons, including snow in the winter. Many horsemen like the idea of having their tired horses getting ‘snow therapy’ in the winter.
Carlos related how he starts the young Thoroughbreds in their first learning experiences, with the goal being to keep the horses happy. The term “breaking” is not very applicable when applied to the Carlos Cabello training methods.
Carlos was accompanied at the dinner meeting by his wife, Kate, and son, Caleb. Caleb was the big winner of the evening in the raffle!
(From left) Caleb, Kate and Carlos Cabello
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April 2009 Meeting
Although our scheduled guest speaker, former California Horse Racing Board Chairman Richard Shapiro, was unable to attend our April 21 meeting due to an airline flight conflict, CTFMA members Laura Rosier and Leigh Ann Howard stepped up to lead a roundtable discussion of "The Current State of Horse Racing in California."
Thank you to everyone who attended!
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March 2009 Meeting
During CTFMA’s March 17 meeting, attorney Dan Schiffer brought us up to date on the best methods used to handle problems collecting from boarders on our farms.
Number one was the fact that you don’t have to take a boarder or client you think might be a problem or who has been a problem in the past on other farms. Without a doubt, a farm should get references and call those references. Vanning companies and veterinarians are also excellent sources of information.
Once a farm has a problem with a boarder or client, there are several items that need to be done in order to be able to legally sell the horse or horses. Dan explained all the options, safeguards and common mistakes made in handling this issue.
Dan also discussed multiple ownership categories and how to handle each set of circumstances regarding the contracts and accounting.
This was a very informative program and one we need to hear each year.
Attorney Dan Schiffer addresses CTFMA members
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January 2009 Meeting
During the CTFMA's January 20 meeting, guest speaker Dr. Marc Laxineta's subject was covered by a Power Point-assisted presentation discussing the variety of foaling problems we all could face this spring. While having foaling issues is not a pleasant subject, it is nice to know we have a very experienced veterinarian just a phone call away.
Dr. Laxineta interspersed his presentation with photos of some of his great scuba diving trips and old downed ship and airplane wrecks on the bottom of the ocean.
New CTFMA President Keith Card (left) and Dr. Marc Laxineta
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Meet Our New Executive Board!
CTFMA's 2009 Executive Board includes (from left) Vice President Debbie Winick, President Keith Card, Treasurer Marianne Hebner and Secretary Cyndee Wahlstrom (not pictured)
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CTFMA’s November 18 meeting included an excellent presentation by Dr. Larry Galuppo and Dr. Greg Ferraro. These doctors discussed the current stem cell research and work being done at the University of California, Davis Center for Equine Health and School of Veterinary Medicine.
Their information brought us all up to date on the “facts and fiction” regarding the collection and use of stem cells, and equine regenerative medicine. Interestingly, they are corroborating with the human research being done, thereby helping advance this area of study.
Greg Ferraro, Larry Galuppo and CTFMA President Jerry Murphy
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The October 21 meeting provided our members with up-to-date information on all the USA working visas available to us. Attorney Lisa Galliath and Luis Gavaldon with the International Law Group LLP provided knowledgeable information and answered a myriad of questions from our group. There are various programs available both at the tracks and on the farm level that can be used by groups of employers.
Lisa Galliath and Luis Gavaldon
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"What to Feed When and to
Whom." That was the subject of an informal presentation by Dave Spaulding
and Gina Anson of Kruse Feeds, a division of Western Milling at our September
meeting.
Mr. Spaulding discussed the nutritional needs of the broodmare in
her different trimesters of pregnancy as well as optimum diets for weanlings,
yearlings and performance horses. He also spoke about different diets for
Cushing Syndrome and overweight or insulin resistant horses, in addition
to senior horses. He also talked about the importance of correct vitamins
and minerals and their ratios.
One of the helpful services Western Milling offers for some of the
larger farms is their ability to custom-blend grain mixes, depending on
available forage and what is expected of the horses, performance-wise.
A wonderful time was had by all and the California Thoroughbred Farm
Managers Association wants to remind all horse owners they are welcome
to the informative dinner meetings, which are always accompanied by a raffle
of horsey items. The meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month
at Richie's Diner in Murrieta.
CTFMA treasurer and September speaker Dave Spaulding.
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The July meeting was our
annual potluck on the grass under the huge trees in front of the Vessels
stallion barn. The members of the CTFMA group and the equine-oriented people
from the communities of Bonsall and Fallbrook combined to make this event
a success. Scoop and Bonnie Vessels wee on hand to visit and parade
their important stallions. Kevin Dickson, the very able manager,
did an excellent job introducing and updating everyone on each stallion
and the records of their offspring.
Here are some photos recording the festivities.
CTFMA president Gerry Murphy
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CTFMA's June speaker was Sue
Friley. She presented information on two companies, NaturVet and
GreenTree, which produce natural pet supplements. She was very informed
about her products, which only sell through specific distributors.
She had numerous examples of aging animals, including horses, which were
living out long lives more comfortably with the help of these products.
The lab where these products are made is regularly inspected by the FDA.
NaturVet was one of the founding members of the National Animal Supplement
Council (NASC). NaturVet has received the NASC Seal of Quality for
meeting or exceeding the most stringent quality and labeling guidelines
applicable to the animal supplement industry. As a special treat she gave
each attendee at this meeting a large sample of one of the Arthrisoothe
joint supplement for horses.
Sue Friley from NaturVet and past CTFMA president Sid Huntley.
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What
do the most talented race jockeys have in common with the fastest race
car drivers? They both rely on carbon fiber to get them to the finish line
first.
The May CTFMA was presented by Ford Kingswood.
Kingswood is a saddle maker extraordinaire and hand crafts all his
race and exercise saddles incorporating carbon fiber into the trees. His
race saddle tree weighs in at an unbelievable 60 grams and the exercise
saddle trees with stirrup bars weigh a mere 1 pound. He uses the finest
English leather and they are available in a myriad of custom colors at
very reasonable prices.
As well as saddles, Kingswood also makes bridles,
martingales, reins and basically any type of equipment desired. Ford Kingswood
lives in Fallbrook CA. and may be contacted at 760-728-8722.
CTFMA president Jerry Murphy (left) and guest speaker Ford Kingswood.
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The
April meeting was an "on the edge discussion" about the newly established
CARMA program. This stands for California Retirement Management Account.
This outstanding program will allow all owners to donate .03% of purse
money to this account. The money will then be distributed to worthy racehorse
retirement facilities through a grant process.
CARMA is hoping that other groups such as trainers, jockeys, and
gamblers will follow suit in contributions toward this racehorse retirement
program. The presentation was passionately presented by the director of
CARMA, Madeline Auerbach. She spoke on her involvement with the racehorses
in her life.
There are approximately 2,400 horses that retire off the California
race tracks each year. She explained that TOC now has a code of ethics,
which can be viewed on their website. From this code of ethics CARMA's
mission statement was formed. It is simply: "CARMA is dedicated to the
goal of providing funding for the rehabilitation, retraining, and/or retirement
of Thoroughbred horses that have raced in California."
CTFMA president Jerry Murphy and CARMA director Madeline Auerbach.
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The March 18 meeting
of the CTFMA featured a presentation by attorney Bing Bush, Jr. The traditional
"Handshake Horse Deals" which has been standard practice for centuries
is actually against the law. He provided an outline and explained what
buyers and sellers have to do in California to protect themselves. There
were many questions and the group felt they went home with useable information.
Bing brought his young son Ben to the meeting, and he was off to the World
Cup racing extravaganza in Dubai at the end of the week.
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At our February
meeting, Dr. Steven Colburn spoke on nutrition of the young horse, particularly
pertaining to developmental issues. He is working with a large local
farm on a program to follow and chart the growth weights from birth to
two years of age. The goal is to see how weight gains and "hicups" in the
patterns of the gains might have on the incidence of DOD and more specifically
on OCD's. Dr. Colburn is the lead veterinarian during the foaling and breeding
season at Vessels Stallion Farm.
We have new members attending and were very pleased our
good friend and last year's president, Sid Huntley, and his wife could
attend. We were so glad to see them looking very healthy and absolutely
radiant.
Photos from our February meeting:
From left: Jerry Murphy, president; Dr. Steve Colburn, speaker; Lita Tabish, vice-president; and Mariann Hebner, treasurer.
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2008 started
off with a bang as the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association
enjoyed their first meeting at their new location, Richie's Diner in Murrieta.
Alex Hassinger spoke on equine joint health and new ways to prevent injury
along with ways to protect injury from occurring in the first place. One
of the products Alex endorses as well as markets is Lubrisyn, which is
a liquid dietary supplement of hyaluronic acid that supports healthy joint
function at a very affordable price. Mr. Hassinger was even kind enough
to donate a quart of Lubrisyn to the raffle which is always an enjoyable
and fun part of the evening.
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The December
meeting was our year-end Christmas party, hosted by Keith and Barbara Card
at their Hi-Card Ranch. As promised, we had great Christmas gift baskets,
outstanding conversation and good feelings, and lots of fun.
Here's a photograph from the
party ...
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The November
meeting was held on Tuesday the 27th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speakers were
Dr. Martinelli, DVM and Josh Parker, of Game Ready Technology. The research
and reasoning behind the Game Ready therapy was fully explained by Dr.
Martinelli. Then Josh Parker demonstrated the Game Ready therapy wrap on
members arms. It was a very informative meeting.
Dynah Korhummel, director of sales of Game Ready Techonolgy, putting the therapy wrap on members Leigh Ann Howard (center) and Josh Parker.
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The October
meeting was held on Tuesday the 16th at 6:30 p. m. Our guest speakers were
Captain D. J. Grove, Humane Society; Lt. Laura Ward, Department of Animal
Services; and Jackie Cruz, San Diego Sheriff's Department. They presented
a talk entitled: "Animal Disaster Preparedness." This outstanding presentation
walked us through the many safety tips to follow if you are evacuated.
One important tip was to evacuate with your animals in plenty of time,
because if you leave them behind you may not be allowed to return into
the area to get them out.
Other great tips were as a last resort to spray paint
your phone number across the body of your horses that you were unable to
evacuate, leave leather (nylon can melt on the horse) halters on them and
turn them loose. Animal services will evacuate all animals they can find
and safely remove.
The most important part of the talk was to get prepared
ahead of time. Use plastic pencil packs to hold current photos of each
horse with name and description listed, also put copies of registration
papers and ownership contact information in this carrier. Have this in
your barn or tackroom clearly marked. Train all your horses to lead and
to load in a trailer. Have supplies set out and ready to go. Have a plan
as to how you will leave and where you will go.
This meeting turned out to be the most important one of
the year as within one week many of our members and their horses were evacuated
due to the wildfires.
The guest speakers at our November meeting.
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The July meeting
was an open Party/Potluck event at Vessels Stallion Farm on Sunday July
15. This was a fund-raising event to benefit the UC Davis Center for Equine
Health as well as various other equine-related charities.
The evening included a parade of stallions, wonderful
food, and raffle with outstanding horse-related items up for grabs!
CTFMA board member Jerry Murphy and Georgia Thompson of the Bonsall Chamber of Commerce (calling the raffle ticket numbers).
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At the June
meeting our guest speaker was author Bill Nichols. He told us all about
the real Seabiscuit story and his involvement in it. His book tells the
rest of the story, what became of all the people and horses that you heard
about in the first Seabiscuit book. He had copies of his Seabiscuit book
available for members to purchase, and he graciously signed them. This
was a very fun and interesting meeting.
CTFMA president Sid Hundley (left) and
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The
guest speaker at our May meeting was Dr. Steve Colburn, DMV, from Creekside
Veterinarian Clinic. He attended UC Davis, where he earned his BS in Animal
Science and DVM degree in 1984. He presented a talk entitled: "Maximizing
Reproductive Technologies."
The guest speaker at the May CTFMA meeting
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The April meeting was held on Tuesday the 20th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker
was Stephanie Searle from Classic Silks who showed her vast array of racing
silks, blinkers, race team apparel, doggie jackets, saddle towels and everything the
horse owner might need. She discussed the history of silks and explained
to us all what went into a good design as well as the difference between
aerodynamic versus the traditional nylon silks. She also graciously donated
a pair of custom blinkers to our raffle.
CTFMA president Sid Hundley with Stephanie
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The March meeting
was held on Tuesday the 20th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker was Jennifer
Collins. Dr. Collins received her DVM from Virginia-Maryland Regional College
College of Veterinary medicine. In 2004 she finished her residency in Equine
Surgery at the University of California at Davis. She is board-certified
in large-animal surgery.
Dr. Collins presented: "Advancements in the Management
of the Lame Horse." Her presentation was a wonderful mix of humor and updated
information. She covered the four basics of lameness: The Lameness Exam,
Diagnostic Imaging, Treatments, and Maintenance.
On the treatment topics she explained the use of many
new and old treatment methods such as Shock-wave Therapy, IRAP, Tildren,
Acupuncture, and Platelet Rich Plasma. The evening was both informational
and very entertaining!
CTFMA board member Jerry Murphy
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The February
meeting was held on Tuesday the 20th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker was
Nancy Yearsley of Yearsley Bloodstock Insurance, Ltd. She gave a detailed
report on the types of horse insurance available, the process required to obtain insurance, and the differences
between domestic policies and international policies. There was a very
lively and informative question & answer session where most of the
horsemen present were able to get their personal questions & needs
analyzed.
Nancy Yearsley and CEO Garry Spain, both of Yearsley Bloodstock Insurance, Ltd.
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CTFMA members
under the leadership of Leigh Ann Howard, Board Member attended a mini
stallion tour on Saturday February 3rd. The CTBA cancelled the big bus
tour, due to a lack of interest. At that point Leigh Ann took over and
set up a "drive along caravan" to visit five stallion farms in San Diego
County. About a dozen farm managers, mare owners, and breeders followed
from farm to farm to view the stallions. The farms toured were; Vessels
Stallion Farm, Valley Creek Farm, Irish Oaks Farm, Ballena Vista Farm,
and E.A. Ranches. It was an enjoyable and informative day for everyone
that attended. A special thanks to all the farms and to Leigh Ann Howard.
Above, scenes from the stallion tour, visiting Valley Creek Farm (top) and Ballena Vista Farm. At right, at the January meeting CTFMA director Leigh Ann Howard visits with guest speaker Peter Hopkins.
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The January
meeting was held on Tuesday the 16th at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker was
Peter Hopkins of SoCal Infrared. He spoke about Equine Thermography with
the new hand held infrared camera. He talked about the development of the
camera and it's uses in the building industry. Then he showed how this
non-evasive tool can show up all "hot spots" on a horses body. It is a
wonderful tool to use on a horse that is just a little off, to pin point
the trouble area. The meeting was very interesting with many questions
and discussions.
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Stop by the conference room of the Murrieta Sizzler on the third Tuesday, and you may overhear dinner conversations about the rising cost of hay and grain . . . mares who won't cycle . . . that mare who is nearly 12 months pregnant and still hasn't foaled . . . or perhaps some tactful bragging about the good-looking foal who was born last week.
It's just the Farm Managers group talking shop on their night out. It varies according to the season, but the ever-present theme is the challenge of keeping the Thoroughbreds healthy and happy.
The after-dinner program may be a veterinarian with a video demonstrating surgical resectioning of a twisted intestine, or it may be a handicapping contest prior to one of the big race days like Breeders' Cup or California Cup. We do try to mix a little fun in with our educational and charitable activities.
This non-profit organization consists of managers, owner/managers, and "previous" managers of Thoroughbred farms, ranging from single-mare households to large commercial operations. Also, persons who share our goals and interests and are affiliated with the Thoroughbred industry are welcomed as associate (non-voting) members.
We seek to increase the productivity of our farms, along with the speed and soundness of our runners; to be good neighbors in our communities; and to protect the quality of life of the Thoroughbred.
Our efforts may be structured, such as our annual contributions to a variety of charitable and research groups that benefit the horse. Or it may be a small individual act such as supplying colostrum to a neighbor whose mare has no milk for her newborn foal . . . or helping a client find a good home for his ex-racehorse.
We would welcome your participation. For more information or a membership application, contact Lita Tabish or any of the following:
2010 CTFMA Officers
President: Keith Card
Vice President: Linda Madsen
Secretary: Terri Greer
Treasurer: Marianne Hebner
Assistant Secretary: Leigh Ann Howard
2010 Board of Directors
Chairman: Keith Card
Bob Curtis
Jeanne Davis
Steve Hartshorn
Gil Pankonin
Bobbie Peterson
Scott Siler
Lita Tabish
Links to websites of featured speakers
at past CTFMA meetings:
Arravale Racing
Barretts Equine Limited
Business Infusions
Classic Silks
Equine Law Office of Bing Bush
International Law Group LLP
SoCal Equine Infrared
Click here for reports of earlier meetings
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